Alexander Janko

! ! IN THEATRES FEB 24th

written, directed & composed by ALEXANDER JANKO

based upon the New York Times bestseller by JOAN ANDERSON

Film length: 1h54m (114m) Credit offsets: 1h49m (109m) Trailer length: 2m11s (002m)

2k / 24 fps / 1.85:1 Filmed on Cape Cod, MA EPIC-M RED DRAGON unrated ! PRESS CONTACTS Jan Mitchell (Florida) (954) 649-0258 cell (954) 788-1067 ofﬁce [email protected]

Laura Goodenow (National) Real Women Make Waves (317) 250-7771 [email protected]

Year By The Sea LLC Copyright © 2017 1/4/17 - p2 THE STORY ! TAGLINE It’s never too late to reclaim your life… LOGLINE An empty nester retreats to Cape Cod where she embarks upon a quest to set herself free.

! SYNOPSIS After 30 years as a wife and mother, an empty nester retreats to Cape Cod rather than follow her relocated husband to Kansas. Intent to rediscover herself but plagued with guilt, she questions her decision until stumbling upon a spirited mentor. Supported by her literary agent and a host of locals, including a sexy fisherman, our heroine learns to embrace the ebb and flow of life—ultimately discovering the balance between self and sacrifice, obligation and desire. THEMES RELATIONSHIP: Cultivating positive relationships with self, friends, partners, nature MENTORSHIP: Sharing wisdom and knowledge through community and caring JOY: Embracing solitude, seeking fun, recognizing beauty, celebrating life

Year By The Sea LLC Copyright © 2017 1/4/17 - p3 ! THE INSPIRATION ! ALEXANDER JANKO - WRITER/DIRECTOR/COMPOSER ! THE BOOK FOUND ME When Joan’s book appeared on my kitchen counter, I was at a crossroads. Disenchanted with my studio ﬁlm composing career, I’d pulled the Hollywood rip cord.

Her opening line—the decision to separate seemed to happen overnight—resonated.

Like many midlife readers worldwide, my raison d’être was eluding me.

Joan’s mission to ﬁnd herself anew is so honest it’s impossible to not ask yourself the questions she poses. One of them—who are we beyond the roles we play?—inspired me to dig deep. In doing so, I discovered Joan’s quest for authenticity is universal. Her courage to embark upon a journey of self discovery became a story I needed to share with the world on the big screen.

THREE WOMEN OVER 60 Two things I knew: I wanted seasoned thespians in command of their craft, and women who personify genuine beauty—the glow that radiates from within sans external enhancements. Upon first blush, it was clear Karen Allen, S. Epatha Merkerson and Celia Imrie were perfect for their roles, as well as wonderful role models. Joan’s story is about accepting oneself no matter your age or stage. And each actress brings wisdom and sensibility to their characters that translates into strong, sensitive and sincere “older” women. Adding Michael Cristofer and Yannick Bisson rounded out our Golden Globe, Emmy, Tony, and Pulitzer Prize award-winning cast and brought sensitivity to the male’s perspective.

IT’S NEVER TOO LATE… Our film’s message—it’s never too late to reclaim your life—counters the agism prevalent in today’s film industry…and nation. No one should ever feel they’ve outlived their usefulness. No matter how “old” you are, you still have the power to celebrate life, change in meaningful ways, experience new adventures and find happiness. If audiences are inspired by this message, we’ve done service to Joan’s story. If YEAR BY THE SEA entertains, stirs emotions and provokes a dialogue, then I’ve accomplished my goal as an indie filmmaker.

WEBSITE www.YearByTheSea.com

SOCIAL MEDIA Facebook/YearByTheSea Twitter: @YearByTheSea Instagram: YearByTheSea

SWEEPSTAKES http://press.YBTS.ﬁlm

EPK / CLIPS / IMAGES / SCREENER www.YearByTheSea.com/press ***higher-resolution images available upon request*** ! 16 FESTIVAL AWARDS

4 AUDIENCE CHOICE Rhode Island International Film Festival Naperville Independent Film Festival Berkshire International Film Festival Vail Film! Festival 2 BEST FEATURE On Location: Memphis International Film & Music Festival Carpe Diem Andretta Award! — Woodstock Film Festival 2 BEST SCREENPLAY Grand Prize — Rhode Island International Film Festival Outstanding Achievement in Filmmaking: Screenwriting! — Newport Beach Film Festival 1 BEST MUSIC Alexander Janko — Hamilton! Film Festival 7 ACTOR AWARDS Best Actress (Karen Allen) — Hamilton Film Festival Best Actress (Karen Allen) — Naperville Independent Film Festival Women in Film Award (Karen Allen) — St. Louis International Film Festival Creative Vision Award (Karen Allen) — Rhode Island International Film Festival Renaissance Award (Karen Allen) — Port Townsend Film Festival Vanguard Award (Karen Allen) — Vail Film Festival Best Ensemble Cast — Best Actors Film Festival

Year By The Sea LLC Copyright © 2017 1/4/17 - p5 ! THE TALENT ! KAREN ALLEN — JOAN Anderson — is a highly acclaimed screen and stage actor and director whose vast film repertoire includes such blockbusters as ANIMAL HOUSE, RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK, STARMAN, THE GLASS MENAGERIE, SCROOGED, THE SANDLOT, THE PERFECT STORM and INDIANA JONES AND THE KINGDOM OF THE CRYSTAL SKULL. Among her myriad theatrical performances, she portrayed Helen Keller in William Gibson’s THE MONDAY AFTER THE MIRACLE directed by Arthur Penn at the Actor’s Studio, the Spoleto Festival, the Kennedy Center and on Broadway, for which she won a Theatre World Award. Ms Allen’s film directorial debut is the short A TREE. A ROCK. A CLOUD. based upon the story by Carson McCullers. Named to the Bard College Theatre Department faculty, she is a lifetime member of the Actor’s Studio. ! YANNICK BISSON — John CAHOON — is an internationally known and award-winning actor best recognized as the clever Detective William Murdoch in the 10-season TV crime drama MURDOCH MYSTERIES, sold in 110 territories, including China. Feature film credits include Toronto International Film Festival selection CASINO JACK, NOTHING REALLY MATTERS, TOO LATE TO SAY GOODBYE, THE SECRETS OF COMFORT HOUSE, and ANIMAL 2. He also has appeared on the TV series SUE THOMAS: F.B.EYE, HIGH TIDE, NOTHING TOO GOOD FOR A COWBOY, and the Showtime drama SOUL FOOD. ! S. EPATHA MERKERSON — LIZ Bloomington — is a theatrical force on stage and screen in both television and film. Exalted for her three-time Image Award-nominated role as the smart and shrewd Lieutenant Anita Van Buren on the TV crime drama LAW & ORDER, she now plays Sharon Goodwin on CHICAGO MED. Feature film credits include THE CHALLENGER, LINCOLN, MOTHER AND CHILD and SEXUAL HEALING. She also claims a long list of Broadway and off-Broadway credits and honors that include Drama Desk Award and Tony Award nominations for Best Actress in THE PIANO LESSON, a 1992 Obie Award for her performance in I’M NOT STUPID, and a 1998 Helen Hayes Award for her starring role in the Washington DC Studio Theater production of THE OLD SETTLER.

Year By The Sea LLC Copyright © 2017 1/4/17 - p6 MICHAEL CRISTOFER — ROBIN Wilcox — is a distinguished screen and stage actor, writer and director whose credits include EMOTICON, THE GIRL IN THE BOOK, THE OTHER WOMAN, FIVE FLIGHTS UP, and CHRONIC, as well TV series RUBICON, SMASH and, currently, MR ROBOT. Stage performances include ROMEO AND JULIET (NY Shakespeare Festival), TRUMPERY, BODY OF WATER, DON'T GO GENTLE (MCC Theater), and A VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE. Awarded a Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award for the Broadway production of his play, THE SHADOW BOX, he also wrote the script. Directing credits include GIA, which won a Director’s Guild Award and was nominated for 5 Emmys, BODY SHOTS and ORIGINAL SIN. ! CELIA IMRIE — Joan ERIKSON — is an accomplished and celebrated award-winning actor who starred in the critically acclaimed THE BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL and its sequel THE SECOND BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL as well as BRIDGET JONES’S DIARY, CALENDAR GIRLS, THE EDGE OF REASON, WIMBLEDON, NANNY MCPHEE, and STAR WARS - THE PHANTOM MENACE. Nominated for Best Actress in the Tony and Olivier Award-winning comedy NOISES OFF at The Old Vic Theatre, she possesses a rich theatrical repertoire that includes an Oliver Award for Best Actress in ACORN ANTIQUES: THE MUSICAL and The Clarence Derwent Award for Best Supporting Actress in THE SEA. A novelist, Celia penned the Sunday Times best-selling novel “Not Quite Nice” and its sequel “Nice Work (If You Can Get It)”. Her recent film releases include BRIDGET JONES’S BABY and ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS - The Movie.

SUPPORTING CAST !

ANDREW BILLY ERIK Tyler Haines Kohler McKenzie Alvin Epstein

JUDY LUCE LUKE Jane Hajduk Monique Curnen Graham King

YEAR BY THE SEA UNFINISHED MARRIAGE WALK ON THE BEACH NYT LIST: 30+ weeks extended list 10 weeks ! ABOUT JOAN ANDERSON A celebrated author, Joan inspires women as a motivational speaker by hosting retreats and sharing through media outlets, which will be revisited upon distribution.

• Weekend Today Show, NBC (four appearances) • Good Morning America • Carolyn Myss Show (Oxygen Channel) • ABC/CBS/NBC afﬁliates in Phoenix, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Denver • The Faith Middleton Show, NPR; Morning Edition, Bob Edwards, NPR • Fox Morning Show, Chicago • Good Morning America Read

Anderson’s catalogue includes 6 published titles:

Year By The Sea LLC Copyright © 2017 1/4/17 - p8 THE FILMMAKERS ! ALEXANDER JANKO — writer/director/composer — is an award-winning filmmaker whose catalog spans the music, literary, stage, TV and film industries. He has worked on more than 65 major motion pictures, including Oscar-nominated ANASTASIA and Grammy-nominated MAN ON THE MOON. A career milestone, he composed the score for MY BIG FAT GREEK WEDDING. As a writer, he has penned a one-act stage play and five film scripts including HOME TOWN (based on Pulitzer Prize-winning author Tracy Kidder’s book), a semifinalist in Final Draft's "Big Break" competition. YEAR BY THE SEA is his directorial debut. LAURA GOODENOW — distributor/producer — is an award-winning reporter, photojournalist and news editor who transitioned to the creative arts to follow her passion for storytelling. Now a producer, book editor, writer, lyricist, librettist and graphic designer, she’s the driving force behind YEAR BY THE SEA’s successful Kickstarter and marketing campaigns. Editor of New York Times best-selling author Joan Anderson’s sixth memoir, STRETCH MARKS, Ms Goodenow’s first musical, EMERGING FROM THE NIGHT, is currently in development. CRESSEY BELDEN — executive producer — began her film career at Hanna-Barbera as a Marketing Manager for the Licensing & Merchandising, Publishing, Home Video, Interactive, Music and Networks plan for CAVE KIDS. She then joined Turner Broadcasting to supervise Classic Characters, World Premiere ‘Toons and CAPTAIN PLANET. Her experience maximizing episodic library revenues led to an invitation to join the Academy of TV Arts & Sciences and Women in Film. YEAR BY THE SEA is her foray into features. PAT McCORKLE — casting director — one of New York’s top casting directors, Pat McCorkle earned a graduate degree from New York University in theatre education. Invited by Alan Wasser to join THE CIRCLE IN THE SQUARE as assistant Artistic Director, she moved to Theater Communication Group and ran the National Student Auditions discovering such future stars as Kelsey Grammer, Harriott Harrison and Jamey Sheridan. Linda Hunt’s Oscar- winning role in THE YEAR OF LIVING DANGEROUSLY and Stanley Jaffe’s SCHOOL TIES— introducing Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, Brendan Fraser and Chris O’Donnell—are highlights. BRUCE RAWLING — singer/songwriter — performed his first film track “Prairie Castles” in the National Film Board of Canada’s DEATH OF A SKYLINE. His subsequent album FORGIVEN features his YouTube video sensation THIRSTY. In addition to studio recording and his YoungLife.org leadership, Bruce is co-founder of the Tree of Life-Hope Foundation, a non- denominational Christian mission that fosters “Unity in the Spirit.” His single WALK ON FAITH was inspired by the YEAR BY THE SEA screenplay years before filming began.

NORIKO SAKAMOTO — film editor — began her career as a television editor on the NYT TV reality series TRAUMA: LIFE IN THE ER. Since then, she has edited dozens of reality shows and documentaries for HGTV, Discovery, History, A&E and TLC, currently serving as editor of the popular series SAY YES TO THE DRESS. She filmed and directed the documentary short THE HERON AND THE GEISHA: A LIFE IN DANCE, a story about Japanese dance, and graduated from The Edit Center shortly before coming on board YEAR BY THE SEA.

CAPE COD Cape Cod’s National Seashore incorporates 43,607 acres of picturesque ponds, woodlands and Atlantic beachfront. The area’s wildlife is featured throughout the ﬁlm.

! BILLING BLOCK ! ! REAL WOMEN MAKE WAVES presents a B-ARROW ENTERPRISES picture in association with MONTABELA PRODUCTIONS and RIVET ENTERTAINMENT KAREN ALLEN YANNICK BISSON S. EPATHA MERKERSON MICHAEL CRISTOFER and CELIA IMRIE “YEAR BY THE SEA” based on the memoirs by JOAN ANDERSON executive producer CRESSEY BELDEN produced by LAURA GOODENOW with BILL LATKA DALE ARMIN JOHNSON and ALEXANDER JANKO cinematographer BRYAN PAPIERSKI film editor NORIKO SAKAMOTO costume designer CARISA KELLY casting director PAT McCORKLE music supervisor MATT LILLEY featuring songs by THE WEEPIES written, directed & composed by ALEXANDER JANKO